EPA awards $16.5M for air radiation program support, with administrative management services at its core

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $16,527,889 ($16.5M)

Contractor: Research Triangle Institute

Awarding Agency: Environmental Protection Agency

Start Date: 2023-03-01

End Date: 2026-02-28

Contract Duration: 1,095 days

Daily Burn Rate: $15.1K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS

Sector: Other

Official Description: EARTH T&M/FFP HYBRID CALL TO ORDER FOR OAR ENTITLED "PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT, TECHNICAL SUPPORT, AND ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES FOR OFFICE OF AIR AND RADIATION FUNDING ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS"

Place of Performance

Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20460

State: District of Columbia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Environmental Protection Agency obligated $16.5 million to RESEARCH TRIANGLE INSTITUTE for work described as: EARTH T&M/FFP HYBRID CALL TO ORDER FOR OAR ENTITLED "PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT, TECHNICAL SUPPORT, AND ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES FOR OFFICE OF AIR AND RADIATION FUNDING ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS" Key points: 1. Contract focuses on program development, technical, and administrative services for EPA's Office of Air and Radiation. 2. The hybrid Time and Materials/Firm-Fixed Price contract structure allows flexibility for evolving project needs. 3. Awarded via full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 4. The contract duration of 1095 days indicates a medium-term engagement for critical support. 5. The primary service category is Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services. 6. The contractor, Research Triangle Institute, has a history of providing services to government agencies.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $16.5 million for three years of support appears reasonable given the scope of services. Benchmarking against similar contracts for administrative and technical support to federal agencies suggests this falls within a typical range. The hybrid pricing model allows for cost control while accommodating variable task requirements. Further analysis would require detailed task orders and labor rates to confirm optimal value.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under a full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit bids. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but this method generally fosters a competitive environment, which can lead to better pricing and service offerings for the government. The agency's commitment to open competition suggests a desire to leverage the broadest possible market.

Taxpayer Impact: A full and open competition process is beneficial for taxpayers as it increases the likelihood of obtaining competitive pricing and innovative solutions, maximizing the value of federal dollars spent.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the Environmental Protection Agency's Office of Air and Radiation, which will receive essential support for its funding assistance programs. Services delivered include program development, technical assistance, and administrative support, crucial for the effective operation of EPA initiatives. The geographic impact is national, as the Office of Air and Radiation's programs typically address environmental concerns across the United States. Workforce implications include potential support roles for subject matter experts and administrative staff, both within the contractor organization and potentially through collaboration with EPA personnel.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns if Time and Materials component is not closely managed.
Scope creep could increase the overall cost beyond initial projections.
Dependence on contractor expertise may create knowledge transfer challenges.
Ensuring consistent quality of services across the contract duration.
Adequate performance monitoring to ensure objectives are met.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a competitive pricing structure.
Contract duration allows for stability and continuity of essential program support.
Hybrid contract type offers flexibility to adapt to changing program needs.
Focus on administrative and technical services addresses critical operational requirements.
Contractor's established presence may indicate reliability and experience.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the professional, scientific, and technical services sector, specifically focusing on management consulting. The market for these services to government agencies is substantial, with significant spending allocated to program support, technical assistance, and administrative functions. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve analyzing other EPA contracts or similar agency procurements for management and technical support services, which often range from millions to tens of millions of dollars annually.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). Therefore, the primary contractor, Research Triangle Institute, is likely a large business. There is no explicit information on subcontracting plans for small businesses within this award notice. The absence of a small business set-aside means opportunities for small business participation would depend on the prime contractor's subcontracting strategy, which is not detailed here.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will primarily reside with the Environmental Protection Agency's contracting officers and program managers responsible for the Office of Air and Radiation. Performance will be monitored through regular reporting, milestone reviews, and adherence to the contract's terms and conditions. Transparency is facilitated by the public nature of federal contract awards, though specific task order details and performance metrics may not be publicly disclosed. The EPA's Office of Inspector General may conduct audits or investigations if performance issues or concerns arise.

Related Government Programs

EPA Grants and Funding Assistance Programs
Office of Air and Radiation Operations
Federal Program Management Support
Technical Assistance Contracts
Administrative Services for Government Agencies

Risk Flags

Potential for cost overruns due to Time and Materials component.
Risk of scope creep impacting budget and timeline.
Dependence on contractor expertise and potential for knowledge gaps.
Ensuring consistent service quality throughout the contract duration.
Adequacy of performance monitoring and reporting.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Environmental Protection Agency awarded $16.5 million to RESEARCH TRIANGLE INSTITUTE. EARTH T&M/FFP HYBRID CALL TO ORDER FOR OAR ENTITLED "PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT, TECHNICAL SUPPORT, AND ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES FOR OFFICE OF AIR AND RADIATION FUNDING ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS"

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is RESEARCH TRIANGLE INSTITUTE.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Environmental Protection Agency (Environmental Protection Agency).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $16.5 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2023-03-01. End: 2026-02-28.

What is the track record of Research Triangle Institute (RTI) in performing similar administrative and technical support services for federal agencies, particularly the EPA?

Research Triangle Institute (RTI) has a significant history of contracting with federal agencies, including the EPA, to provide a wide range of research, technical, and administrative support services. RTI is known for its work in areas such as environmental science, public health, and policy analysis. For the EPA, RTI has previously supported various programs related to environmental monitoring, data analysis, and program management. Their experience often involves complex projects requiring subject matter expertise and robust project management capabilities. While specific details of past performance on contracts directly analogous to this BPA Call require deeper investigation into federal procurement databases (like FPDS or SAM.gov), RTI's overall profile suggests a capacity to handle the requirements outlined for the Office of Air and Radiation's funding assistance programs. Their long-standing presence in government contracting indicates a familiarity with federal acquisition regulations and performance expectations.

How does the $16.5 million contract value compare to similar EPA contracts for administrative and technical support services?

The $16.5 million contract value for three years of support for the Office of Air and Radiation's funding assistance programs appears to be within a reasonable range when compared to similar federal contracts. Contracts for administrative management, general management consulting, and technical support services for federal agencies often span several million dollars, depending on the scope, duration, and complexity. For instance, other EPA contracts or those from agencies like the Department of Energy or the National Science Foundation that manage complex research and assistance programs, frequently involve similar or higher values for comprehensive support services. The hybrid Time and Materials/Firm-Fixed Price structure also suggests a degree of flexibility that can influence overall cost. Without specific details on the number of labor hours, skill levels, and specific deliverables, a precise benchmark is difficult, but the overall value does not immediately suggest an outlier compared to the general market for such services.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract, and what mitigation strategies are likely in place?

Primary risks for this contract include potential cost overruns, particularly within the Time and Materials (T&M) portion, if not managed diligently. Scope creep, where project requirements expand beyond the initial agreement, is another significant risk that could inflate costs and delay timelines. Dependence on the contractor's specialized expertise could also pose a risk if knowledge transfer is inadequate or if key personnel depart. To mitigate these risks, the EPA likely employs robust oversight mechanisms, including detailed performance work statements, regular progress reviews, and strict invoice auditing for T&M components. Clear communication channels and change control processes are essential for managing scope. Furthermore, the contract may include clauses requiring key personnel retention or stipulating performance standards that, if not met, could lead to corrective actions or termination.

How effective is the 'full and open competition' approach likely to be in ensuring value for money for this specific contract?

The 'full and open competition' approach is generally considered the most effective method for ensuring value for money in federal contracting. By allowing all responsible sources to compete, it fosters a competitive environment that drives down prices and encourages innovation. For this contract supporting the EPA's Office of Air and Radiation, this approach likely resulted in multiple proposals being evaluated, allowing the agency to select the offer that presented the best overall value, considering both price and technical merit. While the specific number of bidders isn't provided, the process itself increases the probability that the government secured competitive pricing and high-quality services. The effectiveness is further enhanced if the evaluation criteria were clearly defined and rigorously applied, ensuring that the chosen contractor is not only cost-effective but also possesses the necessary expertise and capability to meet the program's needs.

What are the historical spending patterns for administrative and technical support services within the EPA's Office of Air and Radiation?

Historical spending patterns for administrative and technical support services within the EPA's Office of Air and Radiation (OAR) would typically show a consistent need for such services to manage and execute its various funding assistance programs and regulatory functions. Agencies like the EPA often rely on external contractors to supplement their internal workforce, particularly for specialized expertise or to handle surges in workload. Spending in this area can fluctuate based on congressional appropriations, new program initiatives, or shifts in environmental policy priorities. Analyzing past contracts awarded by OAR for similar services would reveal trends in contract values, durations, and the types of support sought. This $16.5 million award represents a significant investment, suggesting a sustained or increased requirement for these support functions within OAR over the contract's three-year period.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services › Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services

Product/Service Code: NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT › ENVIRONMENTAL SYSTEMS PROTECTION

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS (Y)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 3040 CORNWALLIS RD, DURHAM, NC, 27709

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Tax Exempt, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $32,954,829

Exercised Options: $28,472,891

Current Obligation: $16,527,889

Actual Outlays: $11,970,237

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 15

Total Subaward Amount: $5,992,346

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 68HERH22A0023

IDV Type: BPA

Timeline